Soft Starter for Asynchronous Motors ATS01 12A 5.5 kW Alistart 01

The Schneider Electric Altistart 01 ATS01N212QN is a soft starter designed for the progressive starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous motors. With a rated current of 12 A and motor power up to 5.5 kW at 380-415 V AC, it helps limit the mechanical and electrical stresses associated with direct-on-line starting, promoting smoother machine operation.

This soft starter from the Altistart 01 range is especially suitable for simple machines such as pumps, fans, compressors, conveyor belts, automatic doors, and other equipment driven by asynchronous motors. Its compact 45 mm width and DIN rail mounting make it easy to integrate into electrical panels with limited space.

Progressive starting for motors up to 5.5 kW

The ATS01N212QN uses a voltage ramp starting system. Instead of applying the full mains voltage to the motor instantly, the starter progressively increases the voltage during the selected period.

This operation helps reduce mechanical shocks on transmissions, belts, couplings, and other machine components, while also providing a smoother start than direct starting.

The unit is sized for three-phase asynchronous motors with:

• Rated power: up to 5.5 kW.
• Starter rated current: 12 A.
• Supply voltage: 380-415 V AC.
• Number of phases: 3 phases.
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz.

Adjustable starting and stopping time

The Schneider Electric ATS01N212QN allows the starting time to be adjusted between 1 and 10 seconds. This enables the installer to adapt motor acceleration to the mechanical characteristics of the application.

It also features an adjustable deceleration time between 1 and 10 seconds, allowing for a progressive stop when the application requires it. This function can be especially useful in systems where abrupt stopping could cause mechanical or hydraulic shocks.

Adjustable starting torque

The Altistart 01 allows the initial torque to be adjusted to match the behavior of the motor to the connected load. The starting torque can be set between 30% and 80% of the torque obtained by directly connecting the motor to the mains.

The combination of initial torque adjustment and ramp time makes it easy to configure for many machine applications.

Integrated bypass to reduce losses

The ATS01N212QN includes an integrated bypass. Once the starting phase is complete and rated voltage has been reached, the bypass helps reduce losses and thermal dissipation associated with the continuous operation of power semiconductors.

Schneider Electric specifies an approximate dissipation of 124 W during the transient state and only 4 W at full load once starting is complete.

Inputs and outputs for installation control

The starter includes logic inputs to manage different operating functions, including stop, run, and starting boost.

• Logic inputs: LI1, LI2 and BOOST.
• Logic input voltage: 24-40 V.
• LO1 logic output: end-of-start signal.
• Relay output: R1A-R1C, normally open contact.
• Relay output capacity: up to 2 A at 250 V AC for inductive load according to the manufacturer’s specified conditions.

These connections allow the starter to be integrated into automation schemes and conventional control panels.

LED operating indicators

The front panel includes indicator lights that make commissioning and visual diagnosis of the unit’s status easier:

• Green LED: indicates that the starter is powered.
• Yellow LED: indicates that rated voltage has been reached.

This signaling allows quick verification of the starter’s basic status during installation, operation, or maintenance.

Compact DIN rail mounting

The Schneider Electric Altistart 01 ATS01N212QN is designed for easy integration into electrical panels. It can be installed on a 35 mm symmetrical DIN rail and must be mounted vertically within the tolerances indicated by the manufacturer.

• Height: 124 mm.
• Width: 45 mm.
• Depth: approximately 131 mm.
• Weight: approximately 0.42 kg.
• Mounting: DIN rail.
• Operating position: vertical ±10°.

Its width of only 45 mm makes it possible to install the device in panels where optimizing available space is important.

Connections using screw terminals

The ATS01N212QN uses separate screw terminals for power and control circuits. In the power circuit, it accepts conductors up to 10 mm² in certain configurations, while the control terminals accept cross-sections up to 2.5 mm².

Schneider Electric specifies a tightening torque of between 1.9 and 2.5 Nm for the power terminals and approximately 0.5 Nm for the control connections.

Operating conditions

The starter is designed for use in professional electrical environments and has an IP20 protection rating.

• Operating temperature without derating: -10 to 40 °C.
• Maximum operating temperature: up to 50 °C with current derating according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Storage temperature: -25 to 70 °C.
• Relative humidity: 5-95% non-condensing.
• Operating altitude without derating: up to 1000 m.
• Pollution degree: 2.

Applications of the Altistart 01 ATS01N212QN

The Schneider Electric ATS01N212QN soft starter is mainly intended for simple machine applications that require reducing the stresses produced during motor starting or stopping.

• Pumps.
• Fans.
• Compressors.
• Conveyor belts and conveyors.
• Automatic doors and gates.
• Small lifting systems.
• Belt-driven machinery.
• Equipment with three-phase asynchronous motors up to 5.5 kW.

In pumping applications, progressive stopping can also help limit certain effects associated with abrupt system shutdown, provided the sizing and hydraulic configuration are suitable.

Technical characteristics of the Schneider Electric ATS01N212QN

• Brand: Schneider Electric.
• Reference: ATS01N212QN.
• Range: Altistart 01.
• Short name: ATS01.
• Product type: soft starter.
• Motor type: asynchronous motor.
• Application: simple machines.
• Number of phases: 3.
• Motor power: 5.5 kW at 380-415 V AC.
• Rated current: 12 A.
• Rated supply voltage: 380-415 V AC ±10%.
• Supply voltage limits: 342-456 V AC.
• Supply frequency: 50/60 Hz ±5%.
• Starting type: voltage ramp.
• Starting time: adjustable from 1 to 10 s.
• Deceleration time: adjustable from 1 to 10 s.
• Starting torque: adjustable between 30% and 80%.
• Integrated bypass: yes.
• Utilization category: AC-53B according to EN/IEC 60947-4-2.
• Protection rating: IP20.
• Mounting: DIN rail.
• Height: 124 mm.
• Width: 45 mm.
• Depth: approximately 131 mm.
• Weight: approximately 0.42 kg.
• Standard: EN/IEC 60947-4-2.

Soft starting to reduce machine stress

The Schneider Electric Altistart 01 ATS01N212QN 12 A 5.5 kW provides a compact solution for progressively controlling the starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous motors. Its ramp and torque settings, together with the integrated bypass and DIN rail installation, make it easy to incorporate into control panels for pumps, fans, compressors, and simple machinery.

To ensure complete protection of the motor and installation, the soft starter must be combined with the appropriate overload and short-circuit protection devices according to the scheme, motor characteristics, and Schneider Electric recommendations.